Wound pharmacobiology

Choosing the Appropriate Antithrombotic Agent for the Prevention and Treatment of VTE: A Case-Based Approach

Objective:

To review the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in various patient populations and evaluate the agents available for the prevention and treatment of VTE using a case-based approach.

Data Sources:

A MEDLINE search (1995–July 2006) was conducted to identify relevant literature. Additional references were reviewed from selected articles.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Articles related to the prevention of VTE in orthopedic surgery, general surgery, and medically ill patients, as well as the treatment of VTE, were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

Pharmacologic options for the prevention and treatment of VTE include warfarin, unfractionated heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH), and fondaparinux. Current guidelines support the use of warfarin, LMWH, or fondaparinux for VTE prophylaxis following lower limb major orthopedic surgery. For VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized medical patients or patients undergoing general surgery, use of UFH and LMWH is supported; however, recent data on fondaparinux suggest that it is also effective in these patient populations. The use of UFH or LMWH (both in conjunction with warfarin) for treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis or nonmassive pulmonary embolism is recommended. Recent data suggest that fondaparinux (in conjunction with warfarin) is also effective for the treatment of VTE. A variety of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacoeconomic factors differentiate each agent for the various indications.

Conclusions:

Currently, a “one-size-fits-all” anticoagulant is not available for treatment of VTE. A variety of patient factors, including type of surgery, medical indication, thrombotic risk factors, bleeding risk, history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and a variety of comorbid conditions can affect the safety, efficacy, and selection of appropriate VTE therapy.

Evolving concepts in the treatment of venous thromboembolism: the role of factor Xa inhibitors

Anticoagulation is an essential component of the care of patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Traditional anticoagulants for the treatment of VTE include unfractionated heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and the oral vitamin K antagonist, warfarin. A variety of anticoagulant agents with improved pharmacologic and clinical profiles are emerging and offer benefits over the traditional therapies. One of the most recent advances has been the development of new agents, such as oral direct thrombin inhibitors and factor Xa inhibitors, that have a more selective and targeted effect on the coagulation cascade. Recent clinical trials have evaluated fondaparinux, the first commercially available factor Xa inhibitor, in the treatment of patients with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and indicate efficacy and safety as compared with traditional options such as UFH and LMWH. Fondaparinux is a welcomed addition to the available antithrombotic options.